Dry cough or Shushka Kasa is a common form of cough which does not
produce any mucus. When allergens or pollutants enter the throat pipe, airways
or lungs, they trigger the body to cough them out, which in turn leads to
inflammation of the respiratory tract and the throat. Dry cough can last for a
long time and can even become chronic.
Symptoms & Causes
Dry cough mostly presents with the below symptoms.
Repeated dry coughs
Formation of phlegm or sputum
Dryness in the mouth and feeling excessive thirst and bitter taste
Sore throat
Burning sensation or suffocation in the chest
Nausea
Difficulty in swallowing food
Major causes of dry cough are infections in respiratory tract, sinusitis,
pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, inflammation due to allergens, etc. Dry
coughs can also be provoked by prolonged exposure to toxic smoke and high
pollution-levels.
Ayurvedic tips to manage dry cough
Follow these simple home remedies and lifestyle advises to manage dry
cough effectively.
Turmeric milk – Hailed as a traditional medicine, turmeric milk is widely
used to treat dry cough and sore throat. Its benefits can be attributed to
the efficacy in treating respiratory tract infections. The ingredient
curcumin present in turmeric help fight inflammation and hence provides
relief from sore throat and dry cough. Drink warm turmeric milk before
bedtime for relief from sore throat.
Ginger and honey cough syrup – Ginger can help relieve a variety of
respiratory disorders. It helps reduce phlegm and also relieves
inflammation. Honey is also an active ingredient
in Ayurvedic
medications for dry cough. Boil a piece of ginger in water. Filter the
water and mix in a teaspoon of honey and drink to soothe an infected
throat pipe.
Basil concoction – Holy basil or Tulsi is a staple ingredient in most
Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants due to its ability in boosting
the body’s immunity. Boil water with a handful of basil leaves and steep
them for 15 minutes. Filter the water and drink. Adding ginger and honey
to the drink is also beneficial. Chewing tulsi leaves throughout the day will also aid in fast recovery.
Eucalyptus steam – Eucalyptus oil is a highly recommended
decongestant. It is effective in fighting infections and has anti-
inflammatory and analgesic properties. Add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil to
boiling water and inhale the vapour. Massaging the throat and upper chest
with a few drops of eucalyptus oil is also beneficial.
Consume turmeric powder mixed with honey thrice daily.
Drink tea or coffee made with a decoction of sauf or aniseed.
Add a pinch of cinnamon powder in warm water or tea and drink it for
relief from throat irritability.
Inhaling steam or boiled water that contain peppermint oil is effective for
both dry as well as wet coughs.
Some lifestyle advises to follow when suffering from dry coughs.
Avoid interaction with allergies like dust, pollen, pollution, etc.
Restrict junk, spicy, dry and fast food
Prefer soups or warm nourishing foods in small quantities to strengthen
the digestive fire
Stay away from irritants like smoke from mosquito coils and incense
Install humidifier in bedroom
Maintain a regular diet routine and sleep schedule
Practice pranayama to strengthen the lungs